Data for fiscal year 2011 shows that more than 400 suppliers certified by the Council generated sales of about $2.5 billion.

The Puerto Rico Minority Supplier Development Council Inc. will be sponsoring its “Opportunity Fair” next month to help local certified suppliers match and sell their products and services to representatives from multinational corporations.

The event — specifically directed to suppliers committed to providing added value propositions to multinational corporate organizations established in the island and willing to partner with certified suppliers companies to serve markets in the U.S. and abroad — will take place Mar. 1 at the Puerto Rico Convention Center, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., organizers said Tuesday.

The event will also serve to show participants the details of the PRMSDC’s proposal to create jobs through the multiplier effect that purchasing has in reviving the economy.

“We can not underestimate the Puerto Rican industry’s impact on job creation. Data for fiscal year 2011 shows that more than 400 suppliers certified by the Council generated sales of about $2.5 billion,” said PRMSDC President Jaqueline Marie Matos. “They were also responsible for maintaining more than 37,000 direct jobs in Puerto Rico. This, however, would not be possible without the support of our local partners.”

The upcoming fair will provide a great opportunity for suppliers to know where to find contract opportunities, to promote their businesses and identify and meet potential business partners to expand their customer base, she said.

The event will kick off with an exhibit and wrap up with a business networking session during which local and international company representatives can mingle and discuss opportunities. For more info: www.prmsdc.org.